Best neighborhood in Cary/Kannapolis? (Concord, Mooresville: apartments, rent, low crime)

[ns66]

Hi, we are semi-retired couple, plan to move to NC in June from new york city, we like to find a place that's safe, quiet, nice, yet close to shops, restaurants etc. (no need to consider school or work), So far we find Cary and Kannapolise seems to be low crime and nice, but we have no idea what they are really like, and no clue what neighborhood to avoid.

Could you kind souls out there recommend town/neighborhood/apartments? We are totally open to anything, any input will be appreciated, we will be renting 1-bedroom, rent about $600-$800 (we can go 900 only if it's exceptionally good).

Thanks a lot!

[JackieRTP]

You realize that Kannapolis is no where near Cary, correct?

[ns66]

yes, we can settle anywhere in NC

[Francois]

There is no such thing as "the best neighborhood" in any city. Cary in particular is known for lots of neighborhoods--but I'm very surprised you're considering moving there if you admit knowing nothing about it except that it has low crime?? You may want to research many places and learn more about them than the crime rates. You seem to have decided on NC without really knowing anything at all about the state? What if somewhere in another state fits your needs better?

Here is City-Data's links to a lot of cities and large towns in NC, with lots of info on each one, including Cary and Kannapolis. You also can use the search function to look up answers to questions that have been asked before, and asking about neighborhoods is a very common one.

[ns66]

I did do the research, and actually built a database about it, the thing is I prefer to live in a town with at least 50k people, being from nyc I am really not used to tiny towns with too low population, with that and low crime not too expensive criteria, all i have got is kannapolis or cary, if you know other towns that fits please let me know by all means.

thanks

[Green Irish Eyes]

Since the OP is looking at two towns in different geographic areas of the state, I'm moving this from the Triangle forum hoping for a better response.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by ns66

Hi, we are semi-retired couple, plan to move to NC in June from new york city, we like to find a place that's safe, quiet, nice, yet close to shops, restaurants etc. (no need to consider school or work), So far we find Cary and Kannapolise seems to be low crime and nice, but we have no idea what they are really like, and no clue what neighborhood to avoid.

Could you kind souls out there recommend town/neighborhood/apartments? We are totally open to anything, any input will be appreciated, we will be renting 1-bedroom, rent about $600-$800 (we can go 900 only if it's exceptionally good).

Thanks a lot!

Well, Cary is more upscale, or at least upper middle class, for the most part and kind of expensive for housing. Don't think you'd find an apt in your price range.

Kannapolis is pretty blue collar and low key. However, you might like it in areas where it borders Concord. Look up The Grand in Kannapolis. They have a one bedroom in your price range, are only a year old, and are in a nice safe area.

In addition, you should add the older part of Mooresville to your research. (As opposed to the west side of Mooresville with its mansions on the lake). You might be able to get an older smaller home there in your price range.

[Francois]

Originally Posted by ns66

I did do the research, and actually built a database about it, the thing is I prefer to live in a town with at least 50k people, being from nyc I am really not used to tiny towns with too low population, with that and low crime not too expensive criteria, all i have got is kannapolis or cary, if you know other towns that fits please let me know by all means.

Curious why you have narrowed it to only NC, to get to these two towns? Have you ever visited here or have any connection? Obviously, one should visit anywhere before seriously considering moving there, no matter how many people tell you about it.

[ns66]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

Well, Cary is more upscale, or at least upper middle class, for the most part and kind of expensive for housing. Don't think you'd find an apt in your price range.

Kannapolis is pretty blue collar and low key. However, you might like it in areas where it borders Concord. Look up The Grand in Kannapolis. They have a one bedroom in your price range, are only a year old, and are in a nice safe area.

In addition, you should add the older part of Mooresville to your research. (As opposed to the west side of Mooresville with its mansions on the lake). You might be able to get an older smaller home there in your price range.

I did call them they only got 1 vacancy for 1-bedroom which is not a good fit.
how is preston west of cary? safe? any place to avoid in cary?

[ns66]

Originally Posted by Francois

Curious why you have narrowed it to only NC, to get to these two towns? Have you ever visited here or have any connection? Obviously, one should visit anywhere before seriously considering moving there, no matter how many people tell you about it.

we pick NC mostly because of weather, mild, not too humid, more sunshine compared to neighbor states (although not as much as say utah but we plan to stay in east for a while), and lower crime than say FL